The Hindu 30.04.2013
State to come out with new water policy
Odisha would soon come out with a policy for water supply in urban centres in the State.
A
high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on
Monday resolved to strengthen water supply system in urban centres.
Besides,
the drinking water supply infrastructure which has been weakened over
the years would get focused attention in the new policy, the meeting
resolved. Currently, water is being supplied through 286 tankers in
water scarce areas while new tankers would be added immediately. “Till
now 25019 tube wells have been dug. Tube wells which are defunct are
being repaired. From January to June this month, target of digging 4,000
new tube wells has been fixed. As of now, 1,653 new tube wells have
been installed,” said Chief Minister’s Office in a statement.
Ongoing projects
Similarly,
of 509 targeted water supply systems, 359 tube wells have been
completed. Besides, 220 out of 412 water supply systems for anganwadi
centres have been completed. The School and Mass education department is
spending Rs. 5.15 crore for drinking water supply systems.
The
State government has proposed to spend Rs. 25.20 crore for new water
supply system in 103 urban local bodies. For ongoing projects (176), the
government is spending Rs. 74.30 crore.
Of the 1,850 wards in State’s all ULBs, 1,146 wards had water supply systems while 552 wards had been partially covered.
During 12th five year plan, the State government would cover 50 per cent of the partially and uncovered wards in the State.
National standards
As
per national standards, a person is entitled to 135 litres of water per
day. In 11 ULBs, water is being supplied more than that of national
standards. Similarly, in 13 ULBs, per person water varies between 100
and 135 litres per day.
Statistics show that per
person water provisioning in 30 ULB is between 70 and 100 litres per
day. In the rest of 49 ULBs, per person water supply is below 70 litres
per day. It has been decided to cover all cities and town with standard
135 litres per day in next five years.
Housing and
Urban Development Minister Debi Prasad Mishra said the new water policy
for urban centres could be ready by next month. Under the new policy, it
is be contemplated that consumers would avail the facility through
metered water connections and pay accordingly.
